Prime Minister P.J. Patterson (front row, second left) raises the clenched fist during yesterday's 67th annual conference of the People's National Party, held at the National Arena. Surrounding Mr. Patterson are in (front row, from left): Portia Simpson Miller, vice-president; Dr. Paul Robertson, vice-president and Maxine Henry-Wilson, general secretary. In back row from left: Roger Clarke, vice-president emeritus; Dr. Peter Phillips, vice-president; Dr. Karl Blythe, vice-president and Robert Pickersgill, chairman. - PHOTOS BY RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
WITH PRIME Minister P.J. Patterson having indicated that he will be departing office within the next six months, three of the four leadership contenders said yesterday that they would now be intensifying their campaigns as a result.
Yesterday, Mr. Patterson, who is also the president of the People's National Party (PNP), said he would quit the post he's occupied since 1992, to make way for his successor to lead Government
ministers inside Gordon House
for the reading of the 2006/2007 budget.
LIKELY FRONT-RUNNER
A very reflective Dr. Peter Phillips, who, if the numbers game in terms of delegates support are anything to go by, could be the likely front-runner, said he felt good at yesterday's 67th annual conference.
"The party leader has set the date with destiny and it is something all of us in the party should be prepared for," he said.
Asked about the impact the announcement would have on his campaign, Dr. Phillips replied: "We have been working towards this general date, so it won't change anything fundamentally." Dr. Phillips' support, particularly on Saturday when the delegates came out in their numbers, appeared far superior to the other contenders.
Portia Simpson Miller, another leading contender who too had her fair share of support, said the conference was "a moment of recollection" for her.
"I'm very happy we were able to have an excellent conference in tribute to our party leader," she said.
Mrs. Simpson Miller added that she would be increasing the tempo of her campaign.
"Now it's time for me to not only be on the ground, but intensify my campaign," she said. "I will be setting, at the first meeting of Team Portia, the date when I will officially launch my campaign."
For his part, Dr. Karl Blythe, said he had mixed feelings.
"I'm a little sad to know that sooner or later, P.J. Patterson will move on," he said of his party
president who dropped him from the Cabinet in 2002 following the National Housing Development Corporation (NHDC)/Operation PRIDE scandal. "But at the same time, I'm feeling good because of the legacy he's leaving behind and the platform on which he's going to allow us to build, to go into the next general election."
THE TEMPO
Regarding the impact on his campaign, he replied: "The time has come to step up the tempo, so you will find that my campaign will be more colourful, you will find me keeping to the basics - touching base with the delegates in their homes and communities, and not watching the hype so much," the Central Westmoreland Member of Parliament said.
Dr. Blythe again ruled out an alliance with any of the other presidential candidates.
"The only coming together will be after we have the presidential race and I'm sure the other contenders will come together with me to ensure the PNP remains strong," he said.
The Gleaner was unable to contact Dr. Omar Davies for comments.
